Police investigating a racist attack by a gang of six people on two Turkish men in a city centre are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Hakan Piskin, 22, and a friend, who has not been named, were walking home from work along Newport Road in Cardiff when they were attacked by five men and one woman.

Mr Piskin suffered serious facial injuries in the incident, which happened at 1am on Saturday January 19, South Wales Police said.

Inspector Adrian Gough, of South Wales Police, said: "We are investigating this matter as a racist incident. There is alleged to have been an exchange of words before the attack which gives rise to the belief that the motive was racist."

He said officers wished to speak to three people who saw the attack, including two taxi drivers.

"We need to speak to three independent witnesses who each saw part of what happened," he said.

"They include two taxi drivers each in a black cab with taxi markings.

"One of the drivers was also racially abused before the attack on Mr Piskin. The second driver unwittingly took the group of attackers from Newport Road near the junction with Knox Road after the assault.

"A third man drove the two injured men to the University Hospital at Heath."

Mr Piskin still requires hospital treatment for his injuries, which include a fractured cheekbone and impaired vision. The second man suffered facial injuries and bruising to his body.

The five men and one woman were described as white and in their early 20s. Two of the men are of medium to large build and about 6ft tall.

Inspector Gough said: "The gravity of the racist language used by the attackers coupled with the aggression described by the victims would shock many people."